Ocean Decade Progress Report 2024

Shedding light on achievements and success stories, as well as remaining gaps and needs in ocean science, the latest progress report of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) reflects a year of transformation for the global ocean community.  

Coordinated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and covering the period July 2023-June 2024, the report outlines key developments, the growing network of Decade Actions and coordination bodies, efforts in resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement and outreach.

2024 was marked by the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference and results of the Vision 2030 process, both significant milestones driving the Ocean Decade’s impact to new heights. Hosted by the Kingdom of Spain and co-organized with UNESCO-IOC, the Conference gathered over 2,600 ocean experts and advocates from over 120 countries in the coastal city of Barcelona. At the heart of discussions were the outcomes of the year-long Vision 2030 process, which outlines the future of the Ocean Decade and transformative actions for sustainable ocean management, and culminated in the release of the Barcelona Statement.

With over 500 Decade Actions in its portfolio, the Ocean Decade resonates and inspires communities in every corner of the world. By June 2024, a total of 56 Programmes, 401 Projects, and 99 Contributions across 66 countries had been endorsed by the Ocean Decade. These Decade Actions resulted in 29,700 capacity development initiatives and the creation of over 10,000 knowledge products, benefiting 260,000 individuals. Outreach and engagement also surged during this period, with the Ocean Decade’s website reaching over 6 million people and attracting 217,000 users globally.

“In the run-up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, this third Progress Report reflects our collective journey to inspire action and calls the ocean community to fully engage in the Decade’s global movement,” said Vidar Helgesen, UNESCO-IOC Executive Secretary. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners for sharing this pathway with us, supporting critical research, investments, and initiatives on the road to 2030.”

At the national level, 39 countries established National Decade Committees to mobilize national stakeholders around key priorities. Complementing these efforts, 11 Decade Collaborative Centres and Coordination Offices and 16 Decade Implementing Partners support the Ocean Decade by coordinating and catalyzing Decade Actions regionally and thematically.

As the Ocean Decade entered its next phase of implementation, it drew on the fresh perspectives and strategic guidance of the second cohort of the Decade Advisory Board. The 2023 Monaco Statement further strengthened the role of the philanthropic community in global ocean action. The Ocean Decade Alliance – a network of eminent partners – expanded to 11 Patrons and 19 institutional members, elevating the Ocean Decade’s global profile and fostering collaboration on funding initiatives.

These advancements amplified the voices of underrepresented groups, including women, Early Career Ocean Professionals, Indigenous communities, Least Developed Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

With the countdown to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, underway, the Ocean Decade will ensure that the areas of action outlined in the Barcelona Statement drive discussions and partnerships in 2025. This includes gearing up for the One Ocean Science Congress, a special event leading up to the Conference that will bring together scientists to deliver a comprehensive analysis of ocean health and recommendations for action to Heads of State and Government.

Click here to read the full report.